Galway Hospice is marking Palliative Care Week by hosting a free open evening – providing an opportunity for attendees to learn more about the Hospice and about palliative care.

The open evening at Galway Hospice will take place on Wednesday, September 11, from 5pm to 7pm. Palliative Care Week 2024 takes place from September 8 to 14.

As part of the open evening, a video entitled  ‘A Day in the Life at Galway Hospice’ will be premiered, aiming to provide insight into daily life within the hospice.

The video features a guided tour facilitated by a member of staff, highlighting the various services provided by the Hospice. People are advised to arrive before 5:45pm when the video will be played.

Following this, a presentation entitled ‘Demystifying Palliative Care’ will be delivered by Therapies Manager Joan Boult which will address some common misconceptions about palliative care.

There will also be a number of stands where staff from departments within the Hospice will be available to talk to attendees about their work. Refreshments will also be provided.

The staff at Galway Hospice are hoping for a large attendance at the open evening and are inviting anyone who wants to learn more about palliative care and the work of the Hospice to attend.

Palliative Care Week will also see a ‘Let’s Talk Palliative Care’ educational event on Thursday, September 12, at the Ard Ri House Hotel in Tuam, running from 9:30am to 2pm.

This event is open to any healthcare worker with an interest in palliative care and it offers an opportunity for staff to meet, collaborate, and learn from each other.

It is being held in conjunction with the HSE’s Galway and Mayo Roscommon Centres for Nursing and Midwifery Education. If you are interested in attending, please email Joan Kelly at jkelly@galwayhospice.ie

Furthermore, Galway Hospice patient Brendan O’Byrne has kindly shared his story and experiences of the care provided by the Hospice in a video which will also be aired during palliative care week.

Following the premiere on the open evening, this video will be shared online for people to watch on the social media accounts of both the All-Ireland Institute of Palliative Care and Galway Hospice.

Palliative Care Week aims to raise awareness of the difference palliative care can make for people with life-limiting conditions, as well as their carers and families throughout the island of Ireland.

This year’s theme for Palliative Care Week in Ireland is Palliative Care: ‘You, Me and Palliative Care’, which emphasizes how palliative care affects us all and highlights the importance of community in the provision of palliative care services and supports.

Hospice and palliative care can be misunderstood by many, and these events will give people the opportunity to find out more about the Hospice, palliative care and the experience one can expect when utilizing their services.

If you are interested in attending the open evening, email info@galwayhospice.ie, call (091) 770 868 or simply turn up on the evening, where you will be met with a warm welcome.

Pictured: Galway Hospice…Open Evening.